Explanations:The concept of classical languages in India is based on the criteria set by the Government of India. A language is considered classical if it has a rich literary tradition and has existed in its original form for a long time. The Government of India has recognized several languages as classical languages, including Sanskrit, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Oriya (also known as Odia).
Oriya, or Odia, is one of the classical languages of India. It was officially recognized as a classical language in 2014. The language has a rich literary tradition and has been in use for centuries. The recognition of Oriya as a classical language is based on its historical and cultural significance, as well as its contribution to Indian literature and culture.
On the other hand, Hindi, while being one of the most widely spoken languages in India, is not considered a classical language. The criteria for classical languages are more stringent and focus on the historical and literary significance of the language. Hindi, although it has a rich literary tradition, does not meet the specific criteria set by the Government of India for classical language status.
It is important to note that the recognition of classical languages is not based on the number of speakers or the geographical spread of the language. Instead, it is based on the historical and cultural significance of the language, its literary tradition, and its contribution to the cultural heritage of India. Therefore, while Hindi is a significant language in terms of its usage and influence, it does not qualify as a classical language under the current criteria.
Understanding the concept of classical languages in India is crucial for students preparing for competitive examinations such as the UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, and State PSC. These examinations often include questions related to the cultural and historical aspects of India, and knowledge of classical languages is an important part of this understanding.